[6] The municipality (originally the parish) is named after the Audnedalen valley (Old Norse: Auðnudalr).

The official blazon is "Vert, a circular sawblade argent" (Norwegian: I grønt et sølv sirkelsagblad).

The sawblade has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used.

The green color in the field and the sawblade was chosen to represent the importance of the timber and forestry industries in the municipality.

[12] The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Audnedal was made up of 17 representatives that were elected to four year terms.

The municipality of Åseral bordered it to the north, Hægebostad to the west, Lyngdal and Lindesnes to the south, and Marnardal to the east.

To the northeast, Audnedal bordered the municipality of Evje og Hornnes in neighboring Aust-Agder county.